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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Health in Social Science : Nursing Studies

Postgraduate Course: Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice (Online) (NUST11114)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Health in Social Science CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis online optional course aims to offer students the opportunity to extend their understanding of pathophysiology. For those wishing to undertake a clinical pathway as part of the wider MSc Advanced Nursing programme this course offers flexibility for students to critically explore general physiological principles of selected body systems relevant to their areas of professional interest. Building on past learning, knowledge and skill acquisition, students will work together to critically examine a number of current treatment approaches (including non-pharmacological) and other interventions in relation to selected pathophysiological conditions.
Course description Course Aims:
1) To provide a stimulating but conducive environment which enables students to enhance their pathophysiological knowledge relevant to their area of professional interest/practice
2) To build on current knowledge and skills acquisition relating to delivery of advanced clinical practice

Outline content:
The content includes pathophysiology, aetiology, epidemiology, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches from a broad range of medical conditions. Students will gain an understanding of complex clinical situations and where advanced practice can be used to optimise patient outcomes. The course identifies pathological changes, investigations, therapeutic interventions and the care patients require in order to manage their illness. It emphasises the importance of working in partnership with patients and their families in the delivery of holistic care. The course is co-constructed with the learners and is designed to enable assimilation of new material into an existing cognitive framework. It necessarily draws on previous knowledge of life sciences and the key concept of person-centred care.

Student learning experience:
The course is delivered entirely online but students are expected to interact and mutually support each others learning through the use of digital tools including discussion boards and padlets. These tools will enable asynchronous interaction between students who may be based in a range of care environments from local and international settings. Both peer and staff feedback will be given during the various online activities. Engagement with the online tools is essential and forms part of the assessment for the course.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 2
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 10, Online Activities 10, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1, Formative Assessment Hours 2, Summative Assessment Hours 1, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 172 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Course Paper, 3000-3500 words, 80%

Active participation in weekly discussion boards, 20%
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate evidence of advanced clinical knowledge and understanding in relation to normal physiology and the principles of homeostatic mechanisms.
  2. Critically discuss how these mechanisms can be altered in disease conditions.
  3. Develop contemporary therapeutic approaches which incorporate the psychosocial and emotional implications of physical illness.
  4. Compare clinical interventions that may be undertaken to diagnose, treat and manage patients with known pathophysiology in selected human body systems.
  5. Critically evaluate standards of practice that demonstrate both an analytical and intuitive approach to the care of patients and their families in the clinical context.
Reading List
Huether, S. E. & McCance, K. L. (2018) Pathophysiology: the biologic basis for disease in adults and children. London. Mosby.

Marieb, E. N. & Hoehn, K. (2019) Human anatomy & physiology Eleventh edition. Harlow, England: Pearson.

Ralston, S., Penman, I.D., Strachan, M.J.W., Hobson, R.P. eds (2018) Davidson¿s principles and practice of medicine. 23rd edition. Edinburgh: Elsevier.

Tortora, G. J. & Derrickson, B. (2017) Principles of anatomy and physiology. Fifteenth edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills This course will support students to develop increased knowledge and understanding of pathophysiology in relation to advanced clinical practice. In engaging with the academic literature addressing pathophysiology, students will have the flexibility to explore areas relevant to their own professional interest. Undertaking this course will enable students, for example, to optimize their consultation skills to optimally perform advanced clinical history taking and carry out a detailed examination of selected body systems.
KeywordsPathophysiology,aetiology,diagnostics,therapeutic interventions,advanced practice
Contacts
Course organiserMr Paul Creighton
Tel: (0131 6)50 3888
Email: v1pcreig@exseed.ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr David Morris
Tel: (0131 6)51 3969
Email: dmorri14@exseed.ed.ac.uk
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